News Blitz 5/14: Could Texans WR Andre Johnson be an option for the Patriots?

Wednesday, May 14, 2014 11:04 AM EDT

By Mike Hacku

Staff Writer

Gary Dzen of Boston.com wonders whether disgruntled Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson could be an option for the Patriots.

"NFL.com's Around the League blog estimates Johnson's value at a second-round pick," notes Dzen. "Johnson has three years and $34.5 million remaining on his contract. The Texans and Patriots still have a 'mutual' interest in a Ryan Mallett trade, according to NFL.com, so there could be a starting point there. But any kind of Johnson trade would leave nearly $12 million in dead money against Houston's salary cap." READ MORE>>

Christopher Jason of MassLive.com takes a closer look at 7th round draft pick Jeremy Gallon and wonders if the wideout can be the next great Patriots slot receiver.

"With Amendola's injury history, Gallon should make the team as a back-up slot receiver," writes Jason. "His clean route running and his ability to play special teams (he's a great kick and punt returner) will allow him to carve out a niche in New England. He's a legitimate threat to bump one of the 2013 rookie receivers off of the roster if he stands out in camp." READ MORE>>

Doug Kyed of NESN.com believes that Josh Boyce, Jeremy Gallon, Mark Harrison, and Kenbrell Thompkins are all wide receivers projected to be on the roster bubble following training camp.

"Thompkins and Boyce have the best shots at making the Patriots’ roster, but their spots aren't guaranteed after having up and down rookie seasons," adds Kyed. "Harrison could bring elite size to the position, and a strong training camp would increase Gallon’s chances of making the 53-man roster." READ MORE>>

"A dependable lineman who does what is asked and rarely misses an assignment," writes Fischer. "Fleming is a great fit as the Patriots look to get a little younger along the offensive line and will help on an NFL team's limited roster because he can play both guard and tackle." READ MORE>>

"The Pats love to accumulate depth up front, which is why they spent three middle-round picks on Bryan Stork, Cameron Fleming and Jon Halapio," writes Edholm. "But that doesn't mean that they all will be bench and/or developmental players. There's a new offensive line coach in Dave DeGuglielmo, who takes over for longtime fixture Dante Scarnecchia, and DeGuglielmo might be more interested in working with the new blood over some of the holdovers. There will be some interesting battles with Tom Brady's protectors, especially on the interior, this summer." READ MORE>>